Kevin Pietersen may have been at the very centre of the English cricket over the past week, but he is now looking ahead to another season in the County Championship, possibly with Surrey.
Following the release of his autobiography, which is antagonistic to say the least, KP is far from the game’s most popular figure.
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Severed ties
Despite claims that he can still see himself playing for England in the future, he must know that he has severed his ties with the ECB. It is almost unbelievable that Pietersen believes there is a chance of him playing Tests again, considering the stir he has caused in the Three Lions’ dressing room.
His ongoing international exile will leave him with a lot more time to focus on domestic cricket, though it remains unclear whether that is actually his priority.
He has been contracted to Surrey for four years, but last season played only in the inaugural Natwest T20 Blast.
Big name
While his form for the Lions was inconsistent, he is still capable of bringing the crowds in, and that is something Surrey will undoubtedly consider when looking at their options ahead of next summer.
“I am in contact with Surrey because I love Surrey and Graham Ford, my mentor, is the coach there,” he told the Daily Mail.
“If I decide that I want to continue playing and basically play for the next four of five years then, yes, it is something I am basically going to make happen in the next couple of months.”
Overseas options
Regardless of his comments, it would be unsurprising if the South-African born batsman chose to ply his trade overseas.
The 34-year-old has previously captained Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League, and may opt for the more lucrative option. He is already signed up to represent Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash.
Life after cricket
Off the field, Pietersen is also prepared for life after retirement, though it would not appear that he has any intentions to hang up his bat just yet.
Like fellow stars such as Jacques Kallis, he has set up a cricketing academy in Dubai which will coach young people.
Wherever he goes, he will no doubt continue to cause controversy. However, there is little point in him returning to Surrey if it is with the aim of earning an international recall that is simply not going to happen.
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